by Allie Burton
He screamed in pain and fell to the ground. I faced the smaller guy, who backed away but still blocked our path to the door. I reached out and touched him.
He grabbed his arm and shrank to the floor.
Xander and I stepped over the waiters and dashed out of the restaurant.
Finally, my curse was good for something.
* * *
After taking the Muni Metro streetcar, we hopped off near Pier 39 and walked the rest of the way to Fisherman’s Wharf. The sky had grown dark and cloudy while we’d eaten in the restaurant. My skin felt sticky with the extra humidity. The air smelled like rain mixed with fish.
“This is definitely the right way to go,” I enthused, walking along the emptying sidewalks that usually were filled with tourists. I wove in and out of the few people not afraid of the coming rain, terrified to come in contact with anyone. “The wharf always smells like bad fish.” Most San Franciscans got used to the smell, I never could.
“How did you overhear that phone call? I couldn’t hear anything coming from the kitchen.”
I hadn’t had time to process the why. “I don’t know, but I could.”
“How do you think the Society found us?”
“Who knows?” I shrugged. “Anyone could be a spy. The security guard at the Transamerica Building sure looked at us oddly. He got out his cell phone as we walked away.” I wasn’t about to tell Xander I’d heard a camera click. He’d think I was crazy. “Then there were all the people who saw you pass out by the plaque.”
“What about your friend at the restaurant? Maybe he told.”
“My friend is not a member of the Society. He knows me through Fitch.” Was that who the old guy was talking to? Maybe it wasn’t the Society but Fitch who was on his way.
Maybe we should’ve stayed.
Fitch wouldn’t believe that I needed to stop the burn out. He’d only care about the powers I now held. And satisfying his client.
We walked past a parking lot that led to several docks. Moored boats bobbed in the water.
And waiting for Fitch would’ve been bad for Xander. Fitch wouldn’t like Xander hanging around. Plus, I’d lose this alone time with him. All too soon I’d have to return to Fitch and the younger kids. This crazy, scary adventure would be over and I’d go back to my life of crime.
And Xander…I didn’t know what he’d do, but it had to be better than my life. He could do better than staying with me and learning from Fitch.
“Would Fitch have people looking for you?”
My stomach slammed against my skin as if my thoughts skidded to a halt. Fitch wouldn’t hunt me down like a rabbit. “He trusts me.” Doubt niggled inside my mind like a worm in the dirt. Why had he left me at the museum?
“I meant, he might think you’re hurt or need help.” Xander’s voice softened. His gaze sympathized with me.
“Oh.” I swallowed and watched the dark clouds grow darker like my thoughts. I’m the one who jumped to a negative conclusion about Fitch. Xander’s distrust must be rubbing off.
It couldn’t be Fitch. He trusted me, knew I’d return to him once it was safe. I didn’t have a choice. “If the Society knows where the oils are hidden, by now they would’ve figured out we’re going after them. Why not grab us there?”
“We need to be more careful.”
His cautionary words sent a chill through me. I’d never felt so scared.
I put him in danger just being with me. From Fitch and the Society. I didn’t want anything to happen to Xander.
A stiff wind carried across the bay. Heading into Fish Alley where ice filled tubs lined the sidewalk, rain started falling. A drop would ping on my skin and then sizzle and evaporate. My hair and clothes stayed dry. I’d never have to worry about ruined, wet hair again.
Not Xander. His wet T-shirt clung to his six-pack abs. “You need to get under a roof so you’re not noticeable.”
We moved under an overhang where aromatic steam rose from the outdoor stalls selling whole crabs, seafood cocktails and calamari. Fresh off the boat, the crewmen sold their catches right on the street.
A fisherman yelled, “Fresh lobster.” He held up the orange-beige crustacean with snapping claws.
Another man stood in front of a tub of grey-scaled fish. “Caught this morning.”
“Great for dinner tonight,” a woman yelled.
We passed them all. My gaze scanned the area keeping a constant look out for anyone suspicious. The glass roof kept me out of the rain and the concentrated area of fresh fish and rank fisherman definitely stunk.
“Xander, The Almighty.” Behind the iced-fish counter, a man’s gaze widened like the eyes on his daily catch. “I knew you’d come today.”
I gaped like a fish on a hook. Standing on tiptoes, I was ready to take flight.
Xander froze, an almost-flat uncertain smile appeared.
The man continued, “I have what you search for.”
Xander coughed. “You do?”
“Yesterday, I prepared the oil vessel as instructed.” The man waved his gnarled and weathered hand. He truly was just a fisherman. “This way.”
I hung back and whispered. “Do you know this guy?” I never trusted strangers.
Xander shook his head. “He’s got an essential oil.”
Both Xander and I followed a few steps behind leaving Fish Alley. I tried to dodge the rain now falling in steady rhythm, but it was impossible. Each drop pinged on my skin and then sizzled. Xander had followed willingly. Could the oil be a lure set to catch me? “I don’t know about this.”
“It seems…fishy, but what choice do we have?” Xander whispered before facing the fisherman. “Instructed by whom?”
We started down one of the wooden docks.
The fisherman tossed a quick look back at us. “Master Jeb. He told me you would come after the solstice.”
I didn’t like how the fisherman avoided my gaze, but at least this way, he didn’t notice that I stayed dry while everyone else was wet. I also didn’t like how the dock shook when we stepped on it. Having water on both sides made the small hairs on the back of my neck tingle. I didn’t want to cause another massive wave to take out the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf. “How did you prepare the vessel?” Maybe if the fisherman talked more we could tell whether to trust him.
“I hollowed out a crab and hid the vessel inside.” The man’s voice sounded nervous, or excited, like he was thrilled to be part of this undercover Society mission. “Now, I will present it to you.”
Jeb must’ve given the fisherman instructions before the mix up. He thought Xander held Tut’s soul and everything was happening according to the Society’s plan.
“Where are we going?” Xander used his demanding tone. One I hadn’t heard in awhile.
“The oil vessel is on my boat. We must go there.”
The boat called Sun Worshipper didn’t look like it had seen a lot of sun. The scratched hull had bits of seaweed crusted on at the waterline. The window in front of the wheel had big, black stains. The large, blue hook that hauled in the day’s catches had peeling, rusted paint.
The fisherman bowed. He led us onto the scratched and marred wooden deck. “I’m honored to be of service to you,” his gaze flashed between the two of us, “and King Tut.”
“I’m honored, you’re honored.” Xander gave a regal nod.
Bristling, I stepped onto the filthy deck behind both of them.
I do not walk behind lessers.
I might be the host of King Tut’s soul, but I so didn’t need him interfering now.
This peon should be bowing to me. To you.
“Shut up,” I mumbled trying to keep my voice quiet. Only Tut needed to hear.
You should not be ignored like a commoner.
My shoulders pulled back. My mouth opened as if preparing to speak.
I slapped my hand over my lips. I couldn’t let Tut take control.
The man waved Xander forward. “This way. Oh Mighty One.”
I
might possess King Tut, or actually he possessed me, but being forgotten was a good thing. In fact, I wished the Society would forget me entirely. Letting Xander handle this exchange was the smart thing. Are you listening, Tut?
The fisherman recognized Xander. And Xander did a fabulous job convincing him everything was the way it was supposed to be.
The fisherman yanked his hat lower, leading us through a narrow walkway on the decrepit boat toward the wheelhouse. “You must wait at the stern of the boat.” He pointed at me.
Like being told to go to the back of the bus, Tut’s pride amped up again. I tilted my chin and then sucked in my alternate ego. Here, I was protected from the rain. Not that I needed protection because I didn’t get wet. But I did need protection from curious eyes.
Xander held up his hand. “She’s part of my contingent.”
“Jeb instructed me to give the essential oil to you alone.” The fisherman’s wrinkles collided on his face. He probably led a hard life.
Must be some secret ritual. “It’s fine.” It was more important to get the oil vessel then to pick a fight with this old man. No one would notice me on the back of the boat.
“It won’t take long.” He gave me a toothless grin.
I forced myself to smile back. The man was just a pawn in the Society’s game. He meant no harm. I headed toward the back of the boat.
The rain continued to pour down and the clouds still blocked the sun. I missed its comforting warmth. As I skimmed the sky, I tripped on coiled rope and stumbled. My gym shoes tangled in fine, almost invisible, fishing net that had been placed across the deck. The old fisherman had been careless.
The net began to rise along the edges. My gaze jerked up. The net was attached to the huge rusted metal hook. The hook jerked high.
I took a huge step, trying to get out of the net. But the net rose around me, encircling me like a fish. Like a trapped fish.
My nerves jumped. My feet slipped from under me. The net rose higher, faster. Already, I was five feet off the ground. I jerked and twisted, trying to escape. The net tightened and I felt like it was going to strangle me. I couldn’t breathe.
“Xander!” Panic lent pitch to my voice. I poked my fingers through the small holes of the slick, nylon net. “Help! I’m trapped!”
Chapter Seventeen
No way would an experienced fisherman leave a net unraveled across the deck. Did Xander set me up? Was he in the front of the boat—literally in the driver’s seat?
Agony speared through me. I thought we were a team. Thought he cared.
“Xander!” My scream scratched my throat.
My heart crashed. My body smashed. And I thrashed. “Xander!” Struggling in the net, I continued to yell.
This was almost as bad as being trapped in Xander’s hidey hole. Although I was getting fresh air here.
Breathe.
Xander must’ve known all along. He’d played me. Lied to me. Led me to the ambush.
A splash sounded from the front of the boat. I tried to stretch the net to get more space and to see farther forward. But all I could see was the outline of the wheel house, the metal cage of crabs on deck, and the darkened hallway I’d walked through.
Two shapes ran through the small corridor toward me. The fisherman and…Jeb. I recognized him from the museum. My heart crumbled into pieces of shock and fear.
“Where’s Xander?” My voice screeched with pain and accusation.
Jeb’s lips formed a sneer. “He dove overboard.”
“What?” Confusion rattled my brain. Why would Xander set the trap and then leave?
“Too bad he never learned to swim.”
The pieces of my heart plunged into my churning tummy one piece at a time. Xander hadn’t betrayed me, but he’d drown with the strong, cold currents of the San Francisco Bay.
“Let me out of here.” I pulled at the nylon, trying to rip the delicate but tough threads.
“That’s special Egyptian nylon netting.” The fisherman showed his toothless grin again. “Strongest nylon in the world.”
How could something so delicate-looking be so strong? I huffed. I didn’t have super strength. I had the power of the sun. What good was the sun going to do me now?
“Now that we know she’s secure, let’s get out of here.” Jeb saluted me like a sailor to a captain. Only he knew he was the one in charge.
Both men disappeared toward the wheelhouse. The boat’s engine chugged on. The fisherman untied the ropes tethering the boat to the dock. Un-tethering the only hope I had of escape.
The boat moved slowly past the docks and toward the man-made breaker. One of the empty docks had a group of sea lions moaning their sad cry. I wanted to cry with them.
A shudder passed through me. Xander gone. Shattering shivers raced up my spine. Me entrapped by the evil Society. Our familiar world would end.
“Olivia.” My name carried across the wind.
Must be the sea lions.
“Olivia. Look down.”
“Xander?” I leaned forward and peered around the nylon threads.
His clothes dripped like a mini rainstorm forming puddles on the deck. His black hair was plastered to his head. He looked like a drowned cat, but he was alive.
“You didn’t drown.” Celebration sang through my veins. Xander hadn’t tricked me and he’d hung around to save me.
Feelings of caring gushed inside like an out of control fountain. I liked Xander and he must have feelings for me or he wouldn’t have risked his life. Again.
“I held onto one of the buoys dragging off the side of the boat.” Keeping low, he came to a spot underneath me. “You have to get out.”
No, I thought I’d just hang around here and enjoy the view. “If I had received super strength instead of super heat I could break this nylon. Or if I’d received the soul of an animal I could’ve eaten through the net. Or if—”
“Well, you didn’t.” He stomped his foot on the deck, obviously frustrated. “Hmm. Use your fire-breathing ability to melt the nylon.”
“Good idea.”
“While you do that, I’ll look for a knife or something to cut you out.” Guess he didn’t have a lot of confidence in me.
Which made me angry. Which was good because it had been anger that brought the flames on at the park. I should be furious now. Caught like a fish. Trapped on a boat heading out of the San Francisco Bay. Tricked by an old fisherman.
Lasering my gaze at the net, I let the anger overtake me. I pictured the sun in all its blazing glory. The temperature of the golden orb was something like a bazillion degrees. I let the heat of my fury flame inside my body. My belly burned. My chest felt on fire. A scorching inferno burned up my throat.
I opened my mouth. Flames shot out.
Facing the nylon, I let the fire burn into the net. The nylon wilted and then melted. A hole formed at my side. But that wasn’t all.
Heat surged through me. My insides began to squish together like they were being sucked by a huge vacuum. The internal pressure gathered force. I felt like I was going to explode.
Had I used too much power?
The rain stopped. The sun burst through the clouds. The clouds burned away with each bright ray.
“OMA.” Xander whispered.
My vision cleared. My mind focused. My body returned to normal temperature. “What?”
“OMA. Oh Mighty Aten.” The awe in his voice cleared any cloudiness in my brain. “You made the sun shine.”
I regarded the blazing ball of fire in the sky. Seconds ago it had been hidden by clouds. Now it shown brightly. I’d done that.
I’d done that!
A bubble of excitement filled my chest. Power thrummed through my veins. The warmth of the sun hit my skin and I reveled in it. Not only could I create waves, but I could make the sun shine.
“Quit admiring your work and get down here.” Xander didn’t sound jealous, more like anxious.
Of course, we were still stuck on a boat heading out into the Bay c
ontrolled by Jeb and the Society. I heaved out a breath. We had to get off this boat.
First things first. I scooted around in the net so my feet stuck out of the two-foot-hole I’d melted. Then, I grabbed hold of a portion of the net and lowered myself down. When I was hanging low, I let go of the net and dropped to the deck, landing on my feet. So far, so good.
The sun seemed to energize me. “Now, what?” I looked for Xander.
He was squatting by the cage filled with crabs.
“What’re you doing?” We needed freedom, not crabs. Although I did feel sorry for the little guys.
“The fisherman said he’d prepared a crab with the oil vessel.” Xander took out another crab and set it on the deck. The crab scuttled away. “He looked guilty when he said it, like he wasn’t supposed to tell.”
“Wouldn’t that crab be dead?” I sure hope so.
“There’s one toward the back that’s not moving.” Xander took out three more crabs. They followed the first. “Got it.” He held up a dead crab. “And look at this.” He pointed to a straight line that ran up the middle. “I bet the vessel’s inside.”
“We don’t have time to look.” I glanced toward the wheelhouse. “They could check on me any moment. And,” I scanned the horizon. “We’re getting farther from shore.”
He shoved the dead crab into his backpack and slung it around his shoulders. “Dive in.”
I searched the cold, unforgiving water. “I thought you didn’t know how to swim?”
His self-confident smile jolted me. “That’s what Jeb thought. One of the Society members taught me in the lake at the horse ranch the Society owns.”
We scooted to the rail at the back of the boat. The San Francisco skyline looked so far away. The docks were only about seventy-five feet out.
Trepidation tripped in my stomach. “What do you think will happen to the water when I jump in?” What if the entire bay disappeared?
Xander climbed onto the rail. “Only one way to find out.” Xander performed a beautiful swan dive into the water. After a few seconds, his head surfaced and he waved.
It wasn’t a friendly wave. His hand moved back and forth frantically, in warning.